ᐅ How can I securely anchor Malm furniture to make it safe for families?

Hello everyone,

I have several Malm furniture pieces from IKEA at home, mainly dressers and shelves, which I want to secure safely in a family-friendly way. The safety of my children is my top priority – so I’m looking for a reliable, childproof method to prevent the furniture from tipping over, without it being impractical or unsightly. It’s important to me that the mounting remains sturdy even after several years and is as easy as possible to check or tighten if needed.

Here are my specific questions:
- What wall fasteners work best for Malm furniture (screws, anchors, brackets, etc.)?
- Are there any special safety kits from IKEA or third-party suppliers that you can recommend?
- How would you choose mounting points on the wall and the back of the furniture if the surface is, for example, drywall (plasterboard) or concrete?
- Do you have any experience with common mistakes to avoid, especially in households with small children?

I’m looking forward to your tips and advice on how to make this safe, durable, and as straightforward as possible. Thanks!

Hello Jonaski,

I can help you with your issue by sharing some practical, proven steps.

1. Choice of materials: For Malm furniture, I generally recommend heavy-duty wall anchors, especially if the wall is made of concrete or solid brick. For drywall (plasterboard) walls, specific cavity anchors or toggle bolts are essential to prevent the anchors from pulling out.

2. Fixing points: The IKEA safety kit designed specifically for Malm usually includes a metal bracket that is screwed in at the top back of the unit. Attach the bracket securely to the wall there. The upper area is more stable and therefore safer for children.

3. Installation tip: Especially with younger children, make sure there are no large gaps where small fingers could get caught.

4. Inspection: Regularly check the screws and tighten them as needed, since furniture is often used and moved.

Common mistakes to avoid:
- Using wall anchors that are too small
- Securing only at the bottom of the furniture (which causes it to wobble)

I hope this brief guide helps you.

Hi Jonaski,

I completely understand how important this topic is for parents. Our little ones are always discovering new, sometimes dangerous things around the house.

I also have Malm dressers and had to securely anchor them to the wall because my young son was already curious enough to shake them. I used a set recommended by IKEA that also includes child safety features.

If you’re unsure about installing the wall plugs or whether the furniture is stable, it is perfectly reasonable to call in professional help. It saves a lot of stress and gives you peace of mind.

All I can say is: children’s safety is the most important thing, and even if it sometimes feels inconvenient, the effort is definitely worth it :-) I hope you find something that works for you and your family.

Hello Jonaski,

I would like to add a few basic points here – also for others approaching this topic similarly.

- When choosing fastening materials, it is essential to consider the wall material. In older buildings, there are often various materials present (lightweight construction, concrete, brick), and a hardware store employee can often provide good recommendations.

- For Malm furniture, it is important to attach the fastenings not only at the top edge but also on the sides or bottom, if possible. This increases stability.

- Under no circumstances should young children have access to furniture without mechanical safety devices, as the risk of accidents exists even with a slight tipping angle.

- Some parents additionally secure the interior, such as drawers and doors, with child locks to prevent the furniture from being opened and then moved.

- I also recommend regular inspections at least every 6 months, as screws can loosen.

In my opinion, these multiple measures are very sensible.

benon schrieb:
For Malm furniture, it is important to attach the fixtures not only at the top edge but also on the side or bottom, if possible. This increases stability.

That’s a good point!

However, when working with Malm furniture, be careful not to damage the back panel or joints, which may not be strong enough for additional screws.

My recommendation: The upper area (cabinet) of the back side is usually the best anchoring point. Screws are held firmly there by solid wooden panels.

Tip: Always test with a small screw before drilling to avoid cracking or splitting.

Hello everyone,

To securely and safely fasten the Malm furniture in a family-friendly way, you should pay attention to the following regarding technique and materials:

1. Types of anchors: For concrete walls, Fischer anchors (e.g., UX or S) are recommended. For drywall, you need hollow wall anchors or metal toggle anchors at least 40mm (1.6 inches) long. Cheap anchors provide little hold here.

2. Screws: Use at least 5mm (0.2 inches) thick chipboard screws with a countersunk head to ensure a stable connection.

3. Mounting position: Fastening at the top corners of a Malm sideboard is standard. If you want more stability, you can additionally install a second fastener in the center at the back.

4. Installation tip: If you have drywall, avoid high loads on a single screw – better use two anchors and screws side by side. Make sure the furniture stands flush on the baseboard to prevent tension forces.

Question: Have you already checked the wall materials? And how heavy is the furniture depending on the load?

This is important to choose the right fasteners.